Film Lens
This documentary focuses on the investigation of a serial killer in Lexington, South Carolina, who abducted young girls in broad daylight. It recounts the case of Sherry Fay Smith, a 17-year-old who disappeared on May 31, 1985, while retrieving mail from her mailbox. Her father, Robert Smith, noticed something was wrong when she did not return home and quickly alerted authorities, leading to a frantic search for his daughter.
The film details the chilling actions of the killer, Larry Jean Bell, who was ultimately convicted of Sherry's murder and the murder of another young girl. It describes the emotional toll on the victims' families and the community, as well as the efforts of law enforcement to bring the predator to justice. The documentary concludes with Bell's execution in 1996, providing a sense of closure for the grieving town.
Why Watch
- •Follow the investigation of a cunning serial killer.
- •See how a small town copes with the horror of abductions.
- •Meet the families affected by the tragic events.
Did You Know
•Sherry Fay Smith was abducted from her front yard on May 31, 1985.
•Larry Jean Bell was convicted of first-degree murder in less than one hour.
•Bell was executed in South Carolina's electric chair on October 4, 1996.
•Sherry's father, Robert Smith, was a local pastor in Lexington.
Perfect For
True crime fansInvestigative journalismCommunity safety advocates